Grid Trash Collection a Success, City Says

Grid system to be rolled out in seven other wards later this summer

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Chicago city officials are touting the first week of trash collection under a new method a success.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation on Monday switched to a new system based not on aldermanic wards, but on a grid in several wards.

"Thanks to a lot of careful planning by the Department of Streets and Sanitation and my office, the new grid garbage roll out has been remarkably smooth," Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) said. "We have received minimal comments from residents and our ward superintendent has helped residents who need special attention."

The city also said it has received minimal comments; 10 service-related inquiries were made to the city's 311 call center from around 55,000 impacted households.

"Our crews rose to the challenge of implementing this significant operational change, and we will continue to monitor our progress and levels of service to ensure we provide residents with the best service possible," said Commissioner Thomas G. Byrne.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the new system's lower cost.

"A grid for garbage collection saves money without affecting the quality of service in our neighborhoods, he said."

The city said it plans to implement the grid system in wards 30, 33, 35, 38, 39, 41, and 45 later this summer.